Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who played a key role in Nigeria’s electoral history as the former chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), has died at the age of 83.

He passed away on Thursday in a hospital in Virginia, USA.

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Born on October 2, 1941, in Ajali, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Professor Nwosu led the NEC from 1989 to 1993, a period that witnessed the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.

This election, hailed as Nigeria’s fairest, saw Chief Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) emerge victorious over Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

However, the results were annulled by the then-military leader, President Ibrahim Babangida, leading to a political crisis that prolonged Nigeria’s military rule until 1999, when democracy was restored.

Nwosu’s death has been met with mixed reactions. Ohaneze Ndigbo, the leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, expressed deep sadness at his passing, highlighting the lack of recognition he received from Nigerian authorities.

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According to Chief Damian Okeke Ogene, the Acting National President of Ohaneze, Nwosu’s contribution to Nigeria’s democratic journey was underappreciated, especially when compared to the recognition given to MKO Abiola, who has since been immortalized.

Chief Ogene suggested establishing a National Institute for Political Studies in Nwosu’s name to acknowledge his significant role in the evolution of Nigeria’s electoral system and the advancement of democracy.

Chief Engr. Martin Onovo, the former presidential candidate of the now-defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 election, has expressed deep skepticism about the prospects of a free and fair electoral process in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

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According to Onovo, Nigeria is far from practising a true democratic system, describing the current governance as a form of “maximum civilian dictatorship.”

Onovo’s disillusionment stems from his assessment of recent elections, particularly the 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State.

He described the exercise as a “charade” orchestrated by the ruling party to subvert the principles of democracy, such as the rule of law and electoral integrity.

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“What happened in Edo cannot be called an election. There is no democracy in Nigeria. The two foundational elements of democracy—rule of law and electoral integrity—are currently missing in the country. We are witnessing what is best described as maximum civilian dictatorship,” Onovo stated.

He argued that the Edo gubernatorial election was not an isolated incident, citing what he called the “Coup d’état disguised as presidential elections in 2023” and similar scenarios in Imo and Kogi States as signs of a consistent pattern. According to him, these examples illustrate the prevalence of “criminal brigandage and impunity.”

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Onovo was particularly critical of President Bola Tinubu’s involvement, accusing him of interfering in the Edo elections.

He noted that Tinubu openly declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would secure Edo State, and subsequently employed the resources of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the police to ensure this outcome.

“Tinubu promised Edo State to the APC and followed through with that promise, manipulating INEC and law enforcement to ensure the result went in his favor,” Onovo claimed.

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Onovo also pointed to several alleged electoral irregularities, asserting that INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), who he identified as a relative of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were instrumental in the manipulation of results.

He mentioned instances where the number of votes recorded surpassed the number of accredited voters in certain constituencies, raising questions about the authenticity of the outcome.

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“The collation process was hijacked, party agents were excluded, and results were forged. The police, who should have been neutral, instead arrested opposition supporters and provided cover for electoral fraud,” he said.

Furthermore, Onovo emphasized that the results announced by INEC were at odds with those published on the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV), questioning the credibility of the final tally.

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“There is a stark difference between the declared results and the authentic data visible on IREV. It’s an outright mockery of democracy,” Onovo concluded, lamenting what he described as the disintegration of Nigeria’s democratic values.

Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) transition team, led by Dr. Pius Odubu, for being unprepared for a peaceful transition ahead of the November 12 handover date.

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Speaking at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin, Nehikhare accused the APC team of raising unfounded concerns that the government led by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had failed to provide essential documents for the transition process.

He claimed that the APC transition team has shown little commitment to facilitating a smooth transition, evidenced by their repeated absences from joint committee meetings.

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According to Nehikhare, while Obaseki’s administration has made the necessary documentation available in digital format, the APC members insisted on receiving hard copies, which he stated had also been provided.

“The Edo State Government’s transition committee will continue to meet until October 30 to assist the APC transition team with any information they require, as long as it falls within our mandate,” Nehikhare explained.

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He added that while the APC’s refusal to attend meetings is concerning, their insistence on hard copies of documents meant solely for the incoming Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the outgoing Governor, Obaseki, is unreasonable.

Nehikhare further accused the APC transition committee members of attempting to overstep their role by making demands for documents beyond their jurisdiction.

He noted that their lack of willingness to collaborate with the Edo State Government’s transition committee has been evident from the start.

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Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost its influence in the state, saying the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has effectively dismantled the PDP ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

Speaking during campaign stops in Igbobini, Kiribo Igbotu, and other communities within Ese-Odo local government— the home area of his main rival, Hon. Agboola Ajayi—Governor Aiyedatiwa claimed that key figures from the PDP have now aligned themselves with the APC, signaling the diminished presence of the opposition party in Ondo.

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Emphasizing the growing support for his administration, Aiyedatiwa credited the state’s loyalty to his leadership with strengthening the APC.

Addressing a large gathering of supporters in Igbobini, he assured the crowd of continued developmental initiatives if re-elected on November 16.

Aiyedatiwa highlighted the government’s significant investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, including road construction, urging residents to support the APC at the polls.

He pledged to expand these efforts with further projects if granted another term.

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“I appreciate your patience and unity as we gather here today,” Aiyedatiwa stated.

“We have already accomplished much in improving roads, schools, and hospitals across the state, and our commitment to security remains steadfast. We are also hiring more teachers to improve our education sector.”

“On November 16, I call on you to come out in large numbers to vote for the APC. Let’s send a clear message to other parties. Many former PDP leaders are now with us; the PDP’s influence in Ondo has been shattered. Use your vote wisely—vote for a party with a clear vision for the state.”

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Aiyedatiwa reiterated his appeal for voters to back the APC, emphasizing that every vote is crucial and should not be cast for parties lacking a concrete plan for Ondo’s future.